This will apply to the private and social housing sectors, and the government said it would update decent standards for homes for the first time in 20 years. This has been implemented as part of the Renters’ Rights Bill.
This will build on new requirements for homes to be upgraded to an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating of at least a C under Minimum Energy Efficiency Standards (MEES) through the Warm Homes Plan.
There will be minimum standards to improve the condition of homes, including the condition of roofs, doors and windows, as well as a “more robust response” to tackle damp and mould. This will be in addition with phase one of Awaab’s Law, requiring landlords to fix reported issues within defined time frames.
Justin Young, CEO of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), said: “RICS welcomes today’s renewed commitment to improve the quality of social and private rented homes. Delivering the government’s ambition to both address the quality of existing homes and to support much-need[ed] new housing will require chartered surveyors and professionals across the sector.
“RICS is developing a stock condition survey code of practice – comprehensive guidance to assist the social housing sector to continue to raise housing standards through stock condition surveys.”
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He added: “This is alongside a new RICS retrofit pilot pathway to equip surveyors with the skills to support the government’s energy-efficiency efforts.
“We will continue to work with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) as it accelerates its mission to unlock high-quality, safe and affordable homes across the country.”
Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said: “Providing a decent, safe place to live should be the top priority for any landlord. Whilst we will study the detail carefully, we broadly welcome the government’s plans, which provide much-needed clarity for both landlords and tenants about the standards that should be expected of homes to rent.
“That said, all the standards in the world will mean nothing without robust enforcement to back them up. At present, too many councils lack the staff and resources needed to find and root out rogue landlords. Our research also shows many councils are failing to collect civil penalties issued against landlords even where they have been issued.
“It is time to ensure enforcement is properly funded and targeted, so that the cost of action falls on those breaking the rules, not the responsible majority of landlords already doing the right thing.”
The Housing Secretary also announced measures to give councils, housing associations and other providers more financial support to build new homes. This will enable councils to develop up to 1,000 new homes by removing the administrative costs attached to building and unlocking homes delivered through Section 106 agreements.
Steve Reed, Housing Secretary, said: “Every new social home means one less family stuck on a housing waiting list. Building more social housing is crucial to fixing the housing crisis for good.
“But that’s only part of the story. We’re also driving up the quality of social housing, so they’re well-insulated and damp-free to keep families safe and cut their energy bills in the years ahead.
“I’m calling on everyone who has a part to play to build, baby, build.”
